Dropping your car off for service shouldn’t feel like a scavenger hunt—for you or your mechanic. Whether you're visiting Hillside Auto Repair for an oil change, tire rotation, or diagnosing that pesky intermittent issue, a little prep goes a long way. Here’s how to make sure your visit is smooth, efficient, and (dare we say) pleasant for everyone involved.
1. Fuel Up (No, Really)
If your car is running on fumes, your mechanic can’t test-drive it to verify that weird noise or hesitation. For intermittent issues, they may need to replicate the problem—which means driving it. Arriving with at least a quarter tank saves everyone time (and avoids awkward "out of gas" breakdowns in the shop parking lot).
2. Clean Out the Chaos
We’ve seen it all: gym bags full of questionably ripe cleats, last week’s fast-food wrappers, and—yes—even stray undergarments. While we’re focused on your car’s health, a quick tidy-up ensures no one has to play "what’s that smell?" while working on your vehicle. Plus, it makes retrieving your belongings post-service much easier.
3. Locate the Wheel Lock Key (Before You Arrive)
Nothing slows down a tire rotation like a missing wheel lock key. If your car has one, bring it. Otherwise, your tire service turns into a locksmith challenge—and nobody wants that. Pro tip: Keep it in your glovebox so it’s always handy.
4. Remove Personal Valuables
While we pride ourselves on honesty at Hillside Auto Repair, it’s best to take your wallet, electronics, and other small valuables with you. Accidents happen, and we’d hate for something important to get misplaced during service. And break-ins happen even on automotive lots with cameras!
5. Note Any Symptoms (Be Specific!)
Does your car only rattle when turning left? Does the check engine light flash sometimes? The more details you provide, the faster we can diagnose the issue. Jot down notes or even record a video of the problem if it’s intermittent.
6. Bring Your Maintenance Records (If You Have Them)
If you’ve had recent work done elsewhere, sharing those records helps us avoid redundant checks and gives us a clearer picture of your car’s history.
Why Choose Hillside Auto Repair?
At Hillside Auto Repair in O’Fallon, MO, we treat your car like our own. Our technicians use the same advanced tools and equipment as dealerships, and we back all our services with a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty—because we stand by our work. From oil changes to major repairs, we’ve got you covered.
A little prep saves time, money, and awkward "uh, where’s your wheel lock?" conversations. So, before you swing by, ask yourself: Did I check all the boxes?
What’s the weirdest thing you’ve accidentally left in your car during service? (No judgment… maybe.)